Word Origin & History

hump 1680s (in hump-backed), from Du. homp "lump," from M.L.G. hump "bump," from P.Gmc. *khump-. Replaced, or perhaps influenced by, O.E. crump. A meaning attested from 1901 is "mound in a railway yard over which cars must be pushed," which may be behind the figurative sense of "critical point of an undertaking" (1914). The verb meaning "to do the sex act with" is attested from 1785, but the source of this indicates it is an older word. Humpback whale is from 1725.

Example Sentences for humped

Again and again he flung his head down, humped his back, and sprang into the air grunting and squealing with rage and fear.

He squirmed, he wriggled, he humped as fast as he could, trying to escape; but all in vain.

Humped our blues serenely.To hump bluey is to carry ones swag, and the name bluey comes from the blue blankets.

He humped his shoulder and knocked the receiver off the hook.

They turned and saw a great black figure, humped but still high, keeping step with them a yard or so behind.

Humped cattle may also be found in China, Africa and Madagascar.

Not much to look at, she ain't; sort of humped over, with a shawl 'round her shoulders.

This is regarded by some as the finest breed of the humped variety.

Then he clucked to the Bay Eagle and rode over the hill, his humped back rising and falling with the gallop of the mare.